Everyone invited to ‘come to the table’ as SOAR Summit takes place in Whitley Co. Oct. 2-4

If you ask Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR) Summit Executive Director Colby Hall, who should attend the upcoming SOAR Summit for Oct. 2-4 in the Corbin and Williamsburg areas, he doesn’t have to hesitate before answering.

“If you’re someone who cares about progress in Eastern Kentucky, then you should try to attend. We have some issues here. There is a declining population base, a population that is sick compared to the rest of the country, and broadband and infrastructure that is not where it needs to be,” Hall answered when asked this question about the SOAR Summit during a recent Corbin Rotary Club meeting.

“There have been some positive developments,” Hall explained. “But Eastern Kentucky is the largest geographical swath of poverty in the country. I would say that we need everyone to come to the table to be a part of the conversation.”

This year’s SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), will feature several high-profile guest speakers, including: Gov. Andy Beshear, Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY 5th District), Dr. Ryan Quarles, Agriculture Commissioner of Kentucky, Dr. Nora D. Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and JP Blevins (Entrepreneur/Investor) among others.

“We are really excited to be back in Corbin for this year’s Summit,” Hall said. “This event is really to showcase Corbin and the tri-county area. We are on pace to have around 1,500 people attending each day of the Summit, so it will be a great chance to showcase this community.”

“We are going to have some great keynote speakers this year,” Hall continued. “There will be some great breakout sessions too, and the exhibit hall is always a huge hit. It should be a really great couple of days.”

Local officials share their hopes for 2023 SOAR Summit

Many local officials are excited about the prospects surrounding the upcoming 2023 SOAR Summit. Whitley County Judge Executive Pat White, Jr. said, “SOAR is helping to empower people in Eastern Kentucky to create business opportunities and establish professional networks that will hopefully be fruitful for years to come. As the host, it is exciting to get to showcase the growth that we’ve seen in our county in recent years. It is a chance for us to show folks some of the many things that we are proud of here.”

“[SOAR] creates an environment where people can come together to brainstorm on important ideas,” White continued. “This will cross geographical and socio-economic boundaries. It will be for people of all age groups, and all walks of life, who are seeking continued growth in the region.”

When asked to speak specifically about the opportunities being presented to young people at this year’s Summit, White said, “I hope that students understand what an opportunity it is to attend and be able to hear from people who have accomplished, or are accomplishing, some of the things that they themselves are hoping to accomplish one day. It will be a good chance to learn things, build friendships, and to receive some valuable guidance. It is really a great opportunity for young people to see how things get done, and for them to become empowered to do the same.”

Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus, said, “I’m really excited for Corbin to host the 2023 SOAR Summit. This conference is a great opportunity to network and learn about all the amazing things that are happening in our region. The agenda is jam packed, and the exhibit hall is always informative and inspiring. I’m hoping that we’ll have a record breaker in terms of attendance, and I encourage everyone to attend.”

More about SOAR, how to attend Summit

Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. is a regional, non-partisan, non-profit organization that champions local projects, programs, and advocacy for the 54 ARC-mandated counties in Eastern Kentucky. Its primary mandate is to fill the economic gaps left by the decline of the coal industry. Its task is to rally communities to aid in achieving this goal for the good of all.

Those interested in attending the 2023 SOAR Summit can pre-register now at www.soar-ky.org. By using the promo code INVITE applicants can receive a discount on the cost of admission to the upcoming two-day event on Oct. 3-4.

While the 2023 SOAR Summit is being advertised for Oct. 3-4, pre-summit activities will actually get underway on the afternoon of Monday, Oct. 2, with a special workshop inside the Williamsburg Tourism and Convention Center. The workshop, which is being presented by the Kentucky League of Cities, is scheduled to run from 2-5 p.m. and will focus on community and regional disaster preparedness. Afterward, an opening reception will be held at the nearby Mint Gaming Hall – Cumberland.

Both the pre-summit workshop and opening reception are additional ticketed events, costing $25. Seating is limited.

Students will get in for free thanks to a sponsorship by Forcht Group of Kentucky.

“This offer is for any high school or college student,” Hall explained. “The Forcht Group has presented us with a sponsorship to cover the cost of student registrations, so we are hoping to see a large group of them take advantage of the opportunity.”

Any students registering for the 2023 SOAR Summit online at www.soar-ky.org should use the promo code STUDENT.

Hall instructed anyone planning to bring larger groups of students to the Summit to contact him directly at colby.hall@soar-ky.org.